NATURAL DISASTERS/PUERTO RICO/SPORTS/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “A planned visit to the White House next month by the World Series champion Boston Red Sox might not include manager Alex Cora. The native of Puerto Rico says he is considering skipping the event because of the Trump administration’s response to the island’s devastation by Hurricane Maria in 2017. According to multiple reports last week, the White House has discussed diverting recovery funds earmarked for Puerto Rico as one way to finance a wall along the Mexican border. Cora has been outspoken in the past about the island’s need for relief and has made several trips to his homeland…The Red Sox have left the decision to make the planned visit on Feb. 15 up to the individual players and coaches. Cora said his final decision will rest on whether he can accomplish more by going or by staying home.”
–Steve Gardner, “Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora reconsidering White House visit,” USA Today, January 18, 2019 10:08 am